Open Day 2012

• Open Day 2012 in Images

  July 22, 2012

  Open Day 2012 in Images

  For the Open Day 2012, more than 4000 visitors converged on Königstuhl to immerse themselves in astronomical research. This image gallery also shows what you can expect for the Open Day 2015 on June 21 on MPIA Campus.

  Open Day 2012 in Images

  July 22, 2012

  For the Open Day 2012, more than 4000 visitors converged on Königstuhl to immerse themselves in astronomical research. This image gallery also shows what you can expect for the Open Day 2015 on June 21 on MPIA Campus.

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• In the spectroscopy lab, you can see for yourself how astronomers split light into its component colors - and what they can learn from the resulting spectra.

  In the spectroscopy lab, you can see for yourself how astronomers split light into its component colors - and what they can learn from the resulting spectra.
• Coryn Bailer-Jones presents the Gaia mission. In the meantime, Gaia has been launched and is busily determining the positions of a billion of stars with unprecedented accuracy.

  Coryn Bailer-Jones presents the Gaia mission. In the meantime, Gaia has been launched and is busily determining the positions of a billion of stars with unprecedented accuracy.
• For many visitors, the best part of Open Day is the opportunity to talk to astronomers one on one, hearing about the latest results first-hand.

  For many visitors, the best part of Open Day is the opportunity to talk to astronomers one on one, hearing about the latest results first-hand.
• The Open Day also allows visitors to take a peak into the laboratories and workshops - here: the electronics shop.

  The Open Day also allows visitors to take a peak into the laboratories and workshops - here: the electronics shop.
• Sharp images even though we are looking through the haze of the Earth's atmosphere: Stefan Hippler explains adaptive optics.

  Sharp images even though we are looking through the haze of the Earth's atmosphere: Stefan Hippler explains adaptive optics.
• Some space telescope parts are actually made in Heidelberg! Here: explaining the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), to which MPIA researchers and engineers are contributing parts and know-how.

  Some space telescope parts are actually made in Heidelberg! Here: explaining the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), to which MPIA researchers and engineers are contributing parts and know-how.
• Precision engineering for ground-based and space telescopes: the mechanics workshop

  Precision engineering for ground-based and space telescopes: the mechanics workshop
• The LINC-NIRVANA instrument for the giant Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) in Arizona will also be on display for the Open Day 2015 - for the last time, since directly afterwards, the instrument will be packed up to travel to its final destination in the US.

  The LINC-NIRVANA instrument for the giant Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) in Arizona will also be on display for the Open Day 2015 - for the last time, since directly afterwards, the instrument will be packed up to travel to its final destination in the US.
• A popular favourite: public talks. Some of the talks will be in English.

  A popular favourite: public talks. Some of the talks will be in English.
• Today's research telescopes are situated far away from populated areas, at sites with optimal observing conditions. Some smaller telescopes will be on view for the Open Day, though.

  Today's research telescopes are situated far away from populated areas, at sites with optimal observing conditions. Some smaller telescopes will be on view for the Open Day, though.
• The main motivation for building the 70 cm MPIA telescope was as a test case for the Calar Alto telescope founded by MPIA in Southern Spain. Since then, it's been in use for training and testing purposes.

  The main motivation for building the 70 cm MPIA telescope was as a test case for the Calar Alto telescope founded by MPIA in Southern Spain. Since then, it's been in use for training and testing purposes.
• Haus der Astronomie will again be the site of special programs and workshops for children (basic knowledge of German required).

  Haus der Astronomie will again be the site of special programs and workshops for children (basic knowledge of German required).
• Why do astronomers use infrared radiation for their observation? Simple demonstrations using thermal cameras reveal the reasons.

  Why do astronomers use infrared radiation for their observation? Simple demonstrations using thermal cameras reveal the reasons.